Barack Takes Broadway

Barack Obama, the newest Broadway Baby? The Leader of the Free World took the stage on Monday evening in front of an audience of 1,700 donors and fans at the New Amsterdam Theater in New York City, entering to rapturous applause and cheers. According toThe Advocate, the sold-out event, billed as "Barack on Broadway," began with an introduction from former president Bill Clinton, who opened by commending the work that Obama has done thus far. “He did the best he could with a lousy hand. And he will do better if the American people said, no, we don’t want to go back to what got us into trouble in the first place.”

Taking the stage last night alongside Obama and Clinton was a veritable Who’s Who of the Broadway world, with performers and speakers including James Earl Jones, Patti LuPone, Angela Lansbury, and Stockard Channing. Alongside them, Cheyenne Jackson and Smash’s Megan Hilty performed a “Marriage Medley,” no doubt inspired by Obama’s recent support of gay marriage. When we spoke to Jackson today, he said it was an incredible experience, especially being starstruck with both Obama and Clinton being in attendance.

The event ended on an uplifting note, with Obama directly addressing recent criticism about his performance and his chance at winning in November. “I still believe in you,” he said, recalling the mantra of hope that was so synonymous with his campaign in 2008. “I hope you still believe in me.”